The Miami Dolphins' surprising decision to trade Jaylen Waddle immediately raised questions about De'Von Achane's future and whether he could become available.
What would it take for the Green Bay Packers to make a deal for Achane and, more importantly, should they even try? It's a conversation that has divided the fanbase over the past week.
Miami, now led by former Green Bay executive Jon-Eric Sullivan, has reportedly shut down any speculation about a potential Achane trade, but what could Brian Gutekunst offer to change his former right-hand man's mind?
A De'Von Achane trade idea that would be a win-win for Packers and Dolphins
Warning: This trade idea may divide opinion, but hear me out.
Losing Jayden Reed and a future draft pick undoubtedly hurts, but the Dolphins aren't going to give up Achane for nothing. Unfortunately, the Packers would be negotiating with Jon-Eric Sullivan and not Jerry Jones.
However, this could result in a win-win scenario for both teams.
Why the trade could be a massive win for the Packers
Make no mistake about it, Achane would be an absolute game-changer for the Packers' offense. Matt LaFleur's offense is crying out for an explosive home-run hitter at running back. They've missed that element since Aaron Jones' departure, and it's exactly why they drafted MarShawn Lloyd. But with uncertainty over Lloyd's availability, adding Achane could transform the entire offense.
The Packers would have the most dangerous running back duo in football.
Josh Jacobs provides the thunder. The power. Jacobs is still one of the league's best running backs, and he consistently runs through contact. According to Pro Football Focus, an incredible 77 percent of his total rushing yards came after contact last season. It also highlights how poorly the offensive line played, but Jacobs made the best of it.
Achane is a game-wrecker. He is one of the fastest and most explosive running backs in the league, having rushed for 3,057 yards and 22 touchdowns at an impressive 5.6 yards per attempt in three seasons for the Dolphins.
Almost half (10) of his career touchdown runs were of at least 25 yards in distance, and Achane boasts four touchdowns of 50-plus yards.
According to PFF, last season Achane led the NFL with 26 carries of at least 15 yards. He had a league-best breakaway percentage of 46.1, and he tallied 622 rushing yards on attempts of at least 15 yards, which also led the NFL.
LaFleur would love Achane. Beyond his home-run rushing ability, Achane has also caught 172 passes for 1,277 yards and 13 touchdowns in three seasons.
The Packers will likely need to add another running back this offseason. Chris Brooks is the current RB2 following Emanuel Wilson's departure in free agency, while MarShawn Lloyd has been unable to stay healthy since the Packers drafted him in the third round two years ago.
Coming off his first Pro Bowl season, Achane has proven he can lead a backfield. In Green Bay, he'd partner with Jacobs and give the Packers a thunder-and-lightning combination that would terrify defenses.
Losing Reed would hurt, but the Packers have solid wide receiver depth, which they could add to in the draft. As for the draft compensation, Green Bay already owns two 2027 fourth-round picks (including one from the Rashan Gary trade), and they could receive two more fourth-round compensatory picks. Giving up one of potentially four fourth-round picks is a small price to pay.
Why the trade could be a massive win for the Dolphins
The Dolphins may be reluctant to give up their star running back, but there's a reason why this trade package could tempt them.
For starters, Miami desperately needs wide receiver help after trading Jaylen Waddle and releasing Tyreek Hill. Adding Reed would give Malik Willis a pass-catcher he already has a good connection with.
Reed is a piece the Dolphins could build their passing game around for several years. Miami already has solid running back depth in a backfield featuring second-year Ollie Gordon II, and it's a position the team could further bolster in the draft.
The Dolphins are in full rebuild mode, and this trade would give them even more draft ammunition. Sullivan has stocked up on picks this offseason, with Miami now owning seven inside the opening three rounds and 11 in total.
This trade package would give the Dolphins another 2027 fourth-rounder to work with. Many draft analysts project next year's class to be deeper than this one, and the Dolphins could take their 2027 tally to nine selections by adding a fourth-rounder from the Packers.
Miami strengthens its future draft capital to accelerate its rebuild while landing the focal point of the passing game for Willis.